Anime Like Rail of the Star: A True Story of Children(2026)

9 anime like Rail of the Star: A True Story of Children, ranked by the community. These aren't random picks — they're the shows people watch next when they want more drama.

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1
Who's Left Behind?

Who's Left Behind?

7.70Movie1 epsMushi Production

Kayoko is a young girl in 1940, just starting first grade. She's a bit of a crybaby, which is no secret to those around her. She loves playing with friends and singing cute schoolyard chants, and occasionally having fun with her three older brothers. Her mother is pregnant, and...

DramaHistorical
2
Giovanni's Island

Giovanni's Island

7.66Movie1 epsProduction I.G

Even during the height of World War II, the small island north of Hokkaido where brothers Junpei and Kanta Senou live remains practically untouched. They spend their days gathering eggs and imagining themselves as Giovanni and Campanella, the heroes of Night on the Galactic...

Award WinningDramaHistorical
3
Glass Rabbit

Glass Rabbit

6.61Movie1 epsMagic Bus

Toshiko Ei and her family are residents of Tokyo. Her father is a respected and skilled glass craftsmen so the family makes a good living. However, the Ei family soon finds itself having to suffer through many tragic hardships as a result of World War II. (Source: ANN)

Historical
4
The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank

6.74Movie1 epsMadhouse

Amsterdam, June 12, 1942. Anne celebrates her 13th birthday and begins her diary, which she calls "Kitty". Hiding for two years from the German threat, the young girl writes about her idealistic views on the world, her ambitions, her fears and her first love, Peter.

DramaHistorical
5
In This Corner of the World

In This Corner of the World

8.23Movie1 epsMAPPA

Suzu Urano is a pure and kindhearted girl who loves to draw and keep her head in the clouds. Growing up in the outskirts of Hiroshima with her family, she is more than happy to help with her grandmother's nori business. However, when she becomes of age, Suzu leaves her beloved...

Award WinningDramaHistoricalSeinen
6
Barefoot Gen

Barefoot Gen

7.77Movie1 epsMadhouse

In 1945, World War II is at its peak. As Japanese cities are fire-bombed and the nation is cornered by US forces, Japan is collapsing under the immense pressure. Gen Nakaoka, a bold, free-spirited young boy, lives in Hiroshima. Struggling with wartime scarcity and barely making...

Award WinningDramaHistoricalShounen
7
Naruto the Movie 1: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow

Naruto the Movie 1: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow

7.13Movie1 epsStudio Pierrot

Naruto Uzumaki and his squadmates, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, are sent on a mission to escort a movie crew on its way to film in the Land of Snow. They soon find out that they are accompanying a famous actress, Yukie Fujikaze, who persistently refuses to travel there,...

ActionAdventureFantasyShounen
8
Millennium Actress

Millennium Actress

8.25Movie1 epsMadhouse

At the turn of the millennium, Ginei Studio's dilapidated buildings are set to be demolished. Ex-employee and filmmaker Genya Tachibana decides to honor this occasion with a commemorative documentary about the company's star actress: Chiyoko Fujiwara, the reclusive sweetheart of...

ActionAdventureAward WinningDrama
9
Grave of the Fireflies

Grave of the Fireflies

8.54Movie1 epsStudio Ghibli

As World War II reaches its conclusion in 1945, Japan faces widespread destruction in the form of American bombings, devastating city after city. Hotaru no Haka, also known as Grave of the Fireflies, is the story of Seita and his sister Setsuko, two Japanese children whose lives...

DramaHistorical

Frequently Asked Questions

What anime is similar to Rail of the Star: A True Story of Children?

Fans who liked Rail of the Star: A True Story of Children tend to recommend Who's Left Behind?, Giovanni's Island, Glass Rabbit the most. If you're into Drama and Historical, any of these are a solid pick.

Is Rail of the Star: A True Story of Children worth watching?

Rail of the Star: A True Story of Children has a 6.95 on MAL from 4,375 ratings. Scores are mixed, but plenty of fans swear by it. Worth trying if the premise sounds interesting.

Where can I find more anime like Rail of the Star: A True Story of Children?

Beyond this list, you can dig deeper on MyAnimePulse. Try our browse page to filter by genre, score, and year, or check out our best anime by genre lists.

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